Can you give me any advice about starting to locum?

RE: Can you give me any advice about starting to locum?

Nessa Harbottle — Sun, 19 May 2024 19:54:54 GMT

No worries

Initially, I was going to use an umbrella and be with IVC on zero-hours but I felt it would be too complicated trying to sort it out with HMRC so I spoke with IVC and they said I could join their bank under an umbrella company.

I don't do well with complicated so it just felt like the less stressful option.

RE: Can you give me any advice about starting to locum?

Deena Townsend — Sun, 19 May 2024 19:49:58 GMT

Think I may have just replied to the wrong comment. Oops.

Nothing wrong with using an umbrella company and it will make your life easier for sure. You can't use an umbrella company to take on a zero hours shift, because as you say, it's the same thing.

However, you could use i4 for all shifts except IVC, and then go on IVC zero hours. You would then effectively have 2 employers and HMRC will tax your second PAYE at a higher rate though initially.

RE: Can you give me any advice about starting to locum?

Deena Townsend — Sun, 19 May 2024 19:44:47 GMT

Great, as long as you're aware :)

RE: Can you give me any advice about starting to locum?

Nessa Harbottle — Sun, 19 May 2024 19:42:03 GMT

Deena TownsendThank you for this, that is helpful. I have decided to go with an umbrella company because I won't be locuming for long so I feel this is the easiest way. I have applied to a couple of adverts through agencies and may look at sending my CV out to local practices to get more opportunities. I have been informed that I can't be with an umbrella company and a zero-hour contract because they are both technically PAYE and then I would have issues with tax. I am going to get back to it tomorrow. Thank you for your offer to help if you can, I really appreciate this and will let you know if I think of anything.

Nessa

RE: Can you give me any advice about starting to locum?

Nessa Harbottle — Sun, 19 May 2024 18:56:55 GMT

I did notice that and read that it is birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians. So small furries should be fine

RE: Can you give me any advice about starting to locum?

Deena Townsend — Sun, 19 May 2024 18:53:09 GMT

Hello,

I might be able to help. I've been a locum for 14 years.

Being self employed is a good way to engage with practices and there are many things the you can claim on expenses, which are all listed on the HMRC website.

With an umbrella company your are an employee of them, they will take your tax and NI at source as well as employers NI and an apprentice levy. This way your take home is less but you don't need to do a tax return.

Zero hours or bank contract you are also temporarily employed but you would probably get the most take home as they also pay holiday and pension contributions. However, if you are on multiple bank contracts, for instance one for V4P, one for IVC and one for CVS then your tax can get quite complicated, although it all works out in the end. It MAY have an effect on your credit score too, so if you are saving for a mortgage, I would take professional advice.

Finding work depends on your area and how far you are prepared to travel. You could send your C.V. to all local practices if there are many near you. Or use an agency. I use a very small agency in the South West, who doesn't bombard you with emails and places you with practices suited to you.

You may have to try a few practices and see how it goes. You'll find your feet. Almost all practices I've been to have been very friendly, helpful and make you fell comfortable.

I wish you luck on your locum journey and feel free to ask me any questions and I'll see if I can help

Deena

RE: Can you give me any advice about starting to locum?

Deena Townsend — Sun, 19 May 2024 18:35:06 GMT

Make sure you know what insurance you are getting. I believe i4 does not insure you to work with exotic species, whereas VDS does

RE: Can you give me any advice about starting to locum?

Olivia Coulton — Sun, 19 May 2024 15:47:16 GMT

No I am sorry I couldn't help with agency recommendations.

RE: Can you give me any advice about starting to locum?

Nessa Harbottle — Tue, 14 May 2024 12:59:27 GMT

Hi Olivia

Are there any umbrella companies that you would recommend? I feel doing it this way will be the easiest way for me. I am with i4 at present so will look into the information you suggested.

I will also send out my CV etc to local practices. Thank you

RE: Can you give me any advice about starting to locum?

Olivia Coulton — Tue, 14 May 2024 10:13:03 GMT

Hi,

I would just be a little bit careful with some umbrella companies as some of their fees can be quite high and therefore you do not really get the benefit of locuming. I would say going sole trader would be your best bet and use an accountant or accounting software such as free agent as you would have to do your own tax and NI contributions but if you are happy with your umbrella company then stick with them as they will do your tax and NI for you. As a locum you decide on your rate, where you locum, what days you will locum and how long for. There is the SPVS survey which can help guide you to decide on your rate as it shows you the average although it can look a little low at times but wholly depends on what area you are in.

In terms of agencies just check with your umbrella company that they do not find work for you as some do, if not then send an email to practices within your area to see if they need a locum; if they are a corporate you will need to go through them to then become part of their 'locum bank' which will include; vets4pets/companion care, IVC, CVS, Linnaeus and vet partners. They will usually get back to you quite quickly with work that they can offer and then you can accept or decline.

In terms of agencies alot of them will not charge you for the work but they charge the practice a fee for your placement so just check with them that this is the case.

Do not worry about going to different practices everyone suffers from imposter syndrome at some time in their life but all of you skills and capabilities will be the same whether your employed or a locum and many if not all you go to will be very friendly and supportive.

You will need VDS insurance which is approx £65 at the moment and this covers you for the year as they do it 1st January to 31st December but again check with your umbrella company that they do not provide this for you.

I hope this helps

RE: Starting to locum

Carolyn Edwards — Mon, 13 May 2024 09:34:12 GMT

I sent my CV to local practices, joined various Facebook groups (groups that advertise locum vacancies and also allow reverse recruitment posts), and used this website's 'Find a Veterinary Nurse Locum' facility (you will need to update your profile to show that you are a locum nurse, your location, and anything else that a potential locum employer would find useful). I got plenty of work from these sources.

The SPVS survey on pay will give you an idea of what you should be asking for.

I got some work through agencies, by answering their adverts for specific roles rather than joining them. However, they may be your best bet for getting work quickly. I think you can join multiple agencies. The agencies that I've dealt with simply submit your CV to practices that are looking for locums, and provide billing services but nothing else.

When I was a head nurse I preferred to use locums that contacted us directly, to avoid an agency's charges. It also meant that we could pay our direct locums a bit more than they would get through an agency.

Something else you might want to consider is signing up for a self-assessment tax return for this year. If you aren't already registered you will need to do this in plenty of time. For the tax year 2024/2025 you will need to complete your self-assessment by 31st January 2026. Currently, I believe that vet nurses can claim tax relief on RCVS fees, membership of BVNA, etc. Also, a flat rate of £60 for equipment/uniform costs. This is how I understand the rules! You will need to read the guidance and decide for yourself what you can claim, as I'm not qualified to offer financial advice!!! However, if you have a period out of work, then multiple employments at different rates of pay, it can lead to incorrect tax payments. I'm currently waiting for a significant refund from HMRC.

Good luck, I hope you find something soon.

RE: Starting to locum

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 13 May 2024 08:30:11 GMT

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RE: Starting to locum

Nessa Harbottle — Mon, 13 May 2024 08:19:39 GMT

Thank you. I have signed up with them so that is good to know.
How do I go about getting shifts? Should I sign up to some recruitment agencies or are there other options?

RE: Starting to locum

Nikki Armstrong — Mon, 13 May 2024 07:53:17 GMT

If you sign up with i4 they pay your insurance with VDS , but you can also buy your own VDS insurance . However I’m not sure how much it is

RE: Starting to locum

Nessa Harbottle — Sun, 12 May 2024 16:35:11 GMT

So far with one I am on a zero hour contract and was told they would get me added to the practices insurance . The other hasn’t got back to me yet

RE: Starting to locum

Kerry-Anne Hawkins — Sun, 12 May 2024 16:32:13 GMT

Hi, can I ask you what you did re insurance? I’ve never locumed and I’m interested to know what you need to do to be able too start….